Healing & Curative Properties of Bamboo

An Eastern Perspective 

with Veronica Sanchez, LAc, RN  

Healing & Curative Properties of Bamboo

When most of us look at bamboo, we don't think of it as medicine but it's medicinal properties have been used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for thousands  

of years. The leaves of certain bamboo plants are used as a stimulant, aromatic and tonic. They are useful in counteracting spasmodic disorders, and arrest secretion or bleeding. They are also an effective aphrodisiac. The leaves do not have any prominent taste.

Stomach Disorders:  The leaves are beneficial in the treatment of stomach troubles. They are useful in strengthening the stomach and promoting its action. The young shoots of the tree are also useful in stomach disorders. Pickled or cooked, they serve as an appetizer. In many parts of India , the leaves of the tree are used in the form of decoction to treat diarrhea. So, add them to a salad or enjoy them in a stir-fired dish!

Respiratory Disorders:  Decoction of the shoots should be taken with a tablespoon of honey once or twice daily for those with a sore throat.

Menstrual Disorders:  A decoction of the nodes of the bamboo stem and leaves promotes and regulates menstrual periods; especially for painful periods prior to menstruation.   

Wounds and Ulcers:  A poultice of the tender shoots is used for cleaning wounds.  A decoction or juice of the fresh bamboo leaves is applied as a medicine in such ulcers.

Dosage of Bamboo:  

The juice of 35 grams of fresh leaves may be taken twice daily either alone or mixed with any other juice. The decoction extracted from 70 grams of leaves may be used by itself. About 120 ml of the juice extracted from very tender shoots may be taken twice daily.  *As always, we recommend you seek professional advice before taking any type of supplement or remedy. 

For more information on how Bamboo could help you or to schedule an appointment for Acupuncture, please contact us at 818/549-1300.